but for some, that cheer was tempered by thoughts of looming fiscal cliffs. up next, we'll hear what some people had to say last night. >>> first, more season's greetings from the u.s. troops. stay with us. with us. >> from the walker family here. >> to everybody in annapolis, maryland, my dad and linda, a happy holiday. holiday. >>> the president took a break from fiscal cliff talks to join the first family for the lighting of the national christmas tree on the ellipse. >> as fox 5's bob barnard tells us, others who were there say that icy chill in the air needs to thaw if we are going to avoid that fiscal cliff. l clif >> reporter: yes, the president and malia obama with sasha and first lady michelle leading the chorus of santa claus is coming to town. >> one! >> the ceremony of music and lights as the national christmas tree comes to light. >> i'm so excited for christmas, i can feel christmas already now. >> reporter: the holiday cheer, the spectacle of this illuminating condition tempered by thoughts of the fiscal cliff. >> they'll resolve it. >